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"This is not a problem that is unsolvable."
“We’ve seen an exodus of those individuals going to the mainland because they just can’t afford rent."
“Change is coming. The tide is turning."
“Oceanfront condos are not going to translate to affordable housing."
Mental health experts say talking openly about financial hardship can help break a cycle of hopelessness.
A new report found Hawaii's cost of living was 80% higher than the national average.
Many displaced residents on Maui are now worried about rents skyrocketing after the wildfires.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he also was shocked by how much real estate values appreciated last year.
Residents say inflation is changing their spending habits.
“We have to raise the prices, the prices are raised on us."
Current Radar
The median rent has ballooned by 19% since the beginning of the pandemic.
It was a different story in the market for condos, however.
"It keeps raising higher and higher.”
The state Senate is considering a measure that would increase the minimum wage to $18 by 2026.
The median sale price of a single-family Kauai home jumped 57% in November from the same month in 2020 to $1.2 million, according to real estate firm Locations.
The project was paused after a COVID-related price hike in materials.
Condo prices were also up again, with the median price at $500,000. That’s up 16% over the year.
Buyers from the mainland are further stiffening the already competitive market.
Competition in the housing market remains stiff as homes are selling faster, getting more offers, and being sold for far over the asking price.
The reports authors said Honolulu’s COVID-battered economy and high unemployment rate were the biggest factors driving the city’s fall in the rankings.
The statewide average price for a gallon of regular was 81 cents lower this time last year, AAA Hawaii says.
“All of the affordable housing developers are working on going as fast as we can but we can’t get caught up.
Another indicator of just how hot the housing market is: Homes were on the market for a median of just eight days before being snapped up.
The median price of an Oahu home in May reached another new high of $985,000 ― a 23% increase from a year ago.
Meanwhile, local families are struggling to find homes at prices that are actually affordable.
There are several factors contributing to the shortage, which ultimately, is costing consumers more.
Prospective homebuyers, this is not the news you wanted to hear.
The dream of owning a home in Hawaii seems more and more distant for many who are currently looking to buy.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs sought to lift a 2006 state law banning developments in the highly valuable area.
If you make over $200,000 a year, your taxes could be going up.
Gentry Homes, Ltd. was selected by Hunt Companies to build the homes.
“You’ve got more buyers in the market, you’ve got higher demand."
Billions of dollars worth of Chinese developments have been put on hold in Hawaii during the past year.
“Old Kaimuki is certainly changing but to build these huge apartment buildings here is frightening and simply disgusting."
Bill 7 provides property tax incentives to developers to encourage more affordable rentals.
People earning less than 80 percent of the area median income can apply to live in the units.
DHHL estimates rent will range from $633 for studios, to $3,133 for 3-bedroom town home units.
It was the only affordable housing project in the works for Kailua.
Kailua residents don't want the project in their neighborhood, but supporters say its desperately needed.
Hawaii is once again topping the list for the highest living wage needed.
The 318-unit project will have one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
“It was quite a shock,” said James Kawana, who owns a studio on the 43rd floor of the complex and is appealing his assessment.
Michelle Kauhane, of the Hawaii Community Foundation, said the survey’s results are a “call to action.”
The building was touted as affordable housing.
The self-sufficiency income for a family of four in Hawaii is $80,417, a new report concludes.
The population decline, while disappointing, was widely expected.
Hawaii’s labor force today is about the same size it was five years ago.
Monthly rent for the one-bedroom units ranges from $680 to $980 based on income.
"The crisis is worse than it's ever been."
The average cost for infant care in Hawaii is more than $1,100 a month.